Visa & Passport

Visa

Visas are documents designed to allow people access into other countries. The difference between a visa and a passport is: a visa specifies certain reasons why that person will be staying in the country. It also specifies a certain time frame. It is really a supplement to the passport, since both are required at the same time. The visa is usually stapled or attached to the passport and shown at the time of entry into another country. Most visas have time limits, and typically that time extends to about six months. People can request that their visa be extended in certain circumstances, but there are usually strict requirements one must meet before getting a time extension. Just like passports, a travel insurance policy is recommended in case the paperwork is misplaced.

Passport

When traveling between different countries, a passport is required to gain access and cross the country’s borders. The purpose of a passport is to show other nations that you are a legal citizen of your particular nation of origin. For example, if you are American and want to enter the Philippines, you must show customs your passport in the Philippines to prove that you are a U.S. citizen before they will allow you entry. Most passports contain your photograph, name and birth date, along with your nation of origin and a signature. American passports typically last for ten years, and the expiration date is clearly shown on the inside cover. If you’re traveling somewhere that a passport is required, travel insurance is recommended in the event the passport gets lost or stolen.

Do you have an updated passport? Does your destination require a visa? Use the tools below for all your travel document needs!